Circular rampart

A circular rampart (German: Ringwall)[1] is an embankment built in the shape of a circle that was used as part of the defences for a military fortification, hill fort or refuge, or was built for religious purposes or as a place of gathering.

The key feature of a circular rampart is that the embankment formed the primary element of the defensive fortification.

Circular ramparts usually have a moat or ditch in front of them; the embankment can be enhanced with a wooden palisade.

[2] The interior of such sites often shows evidence of buildings such as halls, barns, and other secondary structures.

Archaeological profiles through the defences and excavations of the interior enable analysis of the period the site was occupied, the pottery used and the type of food consumed.